As sky has no detail, but shows up more noise when sharpened, either RSE is sharpening or ACR is reducing the noise. Given how the rest of the files look in general I would choose the former.

I downloaded that file originally for the contest though I gave up trying to get a decent file using ACR and USM/edge sharpening with masks. Just couldn't get it to look natural on screen. I'll try again with RSE.

Michael Tapes has said that you often need more than one RAW convertor depending on the task. Maybe ACR is just better for people photography which is what I do on a day in day out basis.

I downloaded that file originally for the contest though I gave up trying to get a decent file using ACR and USM/edge sharpening with masks. Just couldn't get it to look natural on screen. I'll try again with RSE.

One might draw the conclusion that its the person doing the conversion that counts?

Thank you for the compliment Les and Tim. However, while I did have have to make some initial decisions about how to convert the image for optimal results, there was really no special skill required to obtain the result in this case. I did no fancy footwork in CS for sharpening or for post (not even a mask), and it was all just the basic Photoshop adjustments and tools as listed...

I used RSE from the day it was released (over ACR and C1) and bought the Premium version before the price went up. Works for me - I certainly recommend. The workflow is great and I like being able to get the sharpness and noise reduction (at least up to 800) I want out of the product. My eye isn't trained to the degree a pro portrait or product shooter's is - I've never had occasion to complain about the color. I may be tempted to get the ETC profile when it's out just to see what the controversy looks like to me.

I have to smile at the ongoing controversy over whether/how RS manages to appear sharper or more detailed than the other converters. All I can say is that I like the way it looks once you've got it configured appropriately.

I have been using RSP since the day it was announced as well, and really like it a lot.

I wasn't really convinced by the colors of RSE compared to NC for my d2x, and RSP probably still isn't as good as NC 4.3.2, but the gap is now small enough that I use RSP for all but the most critical images.

I am especially fond of the workflow, good (but not great) performance, detail extraction, curve and vibrance functions.

A few things still bug me, tho. The colors can still be a problem. They're better but not C1+Magne good. The noise reduction has a tendency to destroy detail. In particular it likes to smear grass and other fine objects.

I use C1 when either of those is a problem and RSP the rest of the time.